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Why do so many world-class athletes choose to undergo surgery, rehabilitation and training in the Gulf Breeze area? It’s not the sugar white beaches or the burgeoning arts community—it’s the state-of-the-art orthopaedics and sports medicine facility.

Opened in 2007, the Andrews Institute attracts patients from all over the world. Its cutting-edge instruments, top-notch physicians and unmatched reputation for quality care have made it a Game Changer for all of Northwest Florida.

The goal at Andrews Institute is to provide what they call an “all-inclusive continuum of care.” Patients can undergo diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and training procedures all within the confines of the Andrews Institute campus.

“A lot of our elite athletes that come here for surgery, they elect to stay and train and rehab with us throughout their entire recovery period,” says Andrews Institute Chief Operating Officer Chad Gilliland.

“Everything from full diagnostic capabilities, surgery center, all the way through their outpatient rehab and performance and athletic training is all on one campus. You can have all those services in the same day potentially.”

Keeping world-class athletes in the area for extended periods is good for everyone.

“They kind of embed themselves in the community. They’re here, living here, spending their money, telling their friends about it. People then look at here for other reasons like vacations.”

Full diagnosis-to-rehab treatment may be what gets athletes to stay at Andrews Institute, but it’s the reputation of Dr. James Andrews that brings them there in the first place.

Dr. Andrews is internationally recognized for his research contributions and his abilities as a surgeon. His list of former patients reads like an ESPN Top 100: Drew Brees, Troy Aikman, Charles Barkley, Roger Clemens, Allen Iverson, Bo Jackson, Michael Jordan, Jack Nicklaus and Emmitt Smith, among others.

“One of the reasons that he’s so popular among the athlete population is that they know he’ll get them in right away.”

Dr. Andrews is far from alone at Andrews Institute. The facility employs 40 doctors across various specialties. According to Gilliland, they’re all at the top of their fields.

“They’re the best at what they do. They’re constantly advancing their field…and looking for the next best way to do various procedures.”

Athletes continue to learn about Andrews Institute primarily through positive word of mouth.

“There’s no such thing as advertising for an athlete population like that,” says Gilliland. “We rely on locker room talk.”

By applying their philosophy of quick, urgent response to the general population, the Andrews Institute has become a go-to center for the athlete in everyone.

“When people call us, if it’s an acute injury, most of the time we can get them in within two to five days to a specialist.”

“We treat everybody the same way. Whatever their physical demands on their body are…our goal is to get them back to where they want to be.”

As word of the Andrews Institute continues to spread, its impact on the local community deepens. The Institute has already created 150 new jobs with nearly $10 million in wages. Gilliland sees its influence continuing to grow.

“We’re extending parking, another 50 slots here in the next two months. That’s always a good story to tell. If you need more parking, you’re doing something right.”